The present invention relates to novel carboxamide compounds and their use for the manufacture of a medicament. The carboxamide compounds are inhibitors of calpain (calcium dependant cysteine proteases). The invention therefore also relates to the use of these carboxamide compounds for treating a disorder associated with an elevated calpain activity. The carboxamide compounds are compounds of the general formula I in which R 1 , R 2 , R 3a , R 3b , W, V and X have the meanings mentioned in the claims and the description, the tautomers thereof and the pharmaceutically suitable salts thereof.